Day
01: Mumbai (Arrival)
You would be starting with your wonderful journey from Mumbai. Gather
at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus at 1530 hours. Upon arrival,
guests would be greeted with a warm traditional Indian welcome,
accompanied with a refreshing drink. Post registration, you will be
escorted to your luxury cabins. With that, Deccan Odyssey will depart
from Mumbai, for its first destination i.e Vadodra. Dinner on board.
Overnight stay on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 02: Vadodara
Located on the banks of Vishwamitri river, Vadodra is the the cultural
epicenter of Gujarat. After you would be done relishing your morning
breakfast, embark on a sightseeing trip of Vadodra. First, you would
be visiting a world heritage site, Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological
park. The park is renowned for its historic and cultural heritage
properties, which are dotted all over its lush green landscape. Post
that, visit the 15th century Mosque, Jama Masjid, the construction of
which is a beautiful blend of Hindu-Muslim architecture. Sightseeing
plans after lunch will include visit to Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
and Laxmi Vilas Palace. Laxmi Vilas Palace is a royal residence, which
is even more sprawling than the Buckingham Palace. Plus, the intricate
mosaic decorations on the windows and walls, exquisite collection of
armory and sculptures are the prime highlights of Laxmi Vilas Palace.
Enjoy a folk performance in the palace and after that, head back to
Deccan Odyssey as it leaves for Vadodra. Dinner on board. High tea at
Laxmi Vilas Palace. Overnight stay at Deccan Odyssey.
Day 03: Palitana
Palitana in the state of Gujarat is a popular pilgrim spot. Right
after your breakfast, embark on a visit to the renowned Jain temples,
which are in a group of 900 at a hilltop. The first half of your day
would be spend in the company of Jain Tirthankaras at the temples.
Post that, return back to Deccan Odyssey as it churns its wheels
towards Sasan Gir. Spend your afternoon at leisure in the comforts of
Deccan Odyssey. Watch a movie, play board games or enjoy a relaxing
massage in the onboard spa. Dinner on board. Overnight stay at Deccan
Odyssey.
Day
04: Sasan Gir - Somnath
Start your day with an early morning drive to Sasan Gir (Gir Forest
National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary). The wildlife sanctuary is a
lone habitat of majestic Asiatic lions in India. A guide would be
accompanying you in the wildlife tour. Sasan Gir is also suitable for
bird watching. As you would be done with the sanctuary tour, head
towards Somnath temple. But before that, enjoy a tribal dance show at
the Gateway hotel. The 4th century Somnath temple is amongst the
twelve Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. Enjoy the setting sun as it
washes away the corners of Somnath temple with its golden hues. Post
that, return to Deccan Odyssey as it sets off for the Little Rann of
Kutch. Breakfast on board. Lunch at the Gateway hotel. Dinner and
overnight stay at Deccan Odyssey.
Day 05: Little Rann of Kutch
With the break of the dawn, Deccan Odyssey would be reaching the
Viramgam station. Post breakfast, you would be heading towards the
marshy salt desert of the Rann of Kutch. The Little Rann of Kutch is
one of its kind tourist attraction in the world, as it is not defined
as a lush green paradise, or a place of exotic beaches. Rather, it is
a scenic white desert. As part of the desert jeep safari, guests would
be visiting the Wild Ass Sanctuary. The habitat is known for its huge
population of Indian Wild Asses. Besides, it is also a perfect place
to spot exquisite variety of birds in large numbers. Post lunch, you
would be embarking on a village safari tour of the Rann of Kutch. The
region is home to numerous tribes like the Agarias and Rabari tribe.
After that, return to your luxury train as it leaves for Patan.
Breakfast and dinner on board. Lunch at the Rann Riders Safari Resort.
Overnight on Deccan Odyssey.
Day 06: Modhera - Patan
Patan is an 8th century fortified town which is renowned for its
forts, lakes, holy places and a world heritage site. Deccan Odyssey
would be reaching this historic town by the morning. After having a
sumptuous breakfast, head onto a drive to the sun temple at Modhera.
Dedicated to the Sun God, the temple is an architectural masterpiece
of sandstone. Besides the intricate carvings, the temple complex has a
total of more than 108 shrines. After that, you would be visiting the
world heritage site of Rani Ki Vav. This 11th century step well is one
of the biggest in Gujarat and is a beautiful example of subterranean
well architecture. Guests would also be visiting the traditional home
of Patola sarees in Gujarat. Then, return back to Deccan Odyssey for
lunch. Spend your evenings watching the tapestry of rural India as the
luxury train makes it run towards Nashik. Overnight stay on Deccan
Odyssey.
Day 07: Nashik
Dedicate this day to explore the whereabouts of Nashik. By the break
of the dawn, Deccan Odyssey would be reaching the city. As you are
done with your breakfast, embark on a visit to one of the most ancient
Jain and Buddhist cave temples in India, Pandu Leni. Some of the caves
are as old as 1st century BC, while the others belong to the period
around 13th century. Nashik is also one of the largest wine producing
states in India. Thus, guests would be taken to a visit to Grover
Zampa vineyards, which is the finest wine facility in Nashik. Savor
different wines of Chenin, Chardonnay and Shiraz grapes, brewed from
traditional old methods. In the evenings, feel free to walk along the
sacred Godavari Ghats. Post that, return to Deccan Odyssey as it makes
it's runway back home to Mumbai Lunch at vineyard, Dinner on board.
Day 08: Mumbai (Departure)
Bid farewell to Deccan Odyssey as it reaches Chhatrapati Shivaji
Terminus Railway station in Mumbai. This marks the end of the
wonderful Gujarat tour. |
If you are willing to travel in a group - the
